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AND    OTHER    POEMS 


MRS     AGNES    SMITH 


GIFT  OF 


(Bethscmane 


AND    OTHER    POEMS 


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BY 


MRS      AGNES    SMITH 


San  Diego,  California 
1915 


Copyrighted,  1915 
By  MRS.  AGNES  SMITH 


/:  a.:: 


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THE    CRELLER    PRESS 
Printers  and  Publishers — San  Diego,  California 


FOREWORD. 

The  writer  of  these  poems,  Mrs.  Agnes 
Smith,  was  born  in  Scotland,  came  to  this 
country  thirty  years  ago,  six  of  which  have 
been  spent  in  San  Diego,  and,  owing  to  illness 
in  childhood,  received  a  very  meagre  educa- 
tion. She  is  now  in  her  53rd  year  and  had 
composed  no  poetry  until  her  51st  year. 

It  is  the  wish  of  the  writer  that  some  hearts 
may  be  touched  and  drawn  nearer  to  the 
Saviour  through  these  poems. 


32^600 


•      -         ' 

•  *     O       ,      '  ' 

•  . 


Poems 


GETHSEMANE. 

Gethsemane,   Gethsemane. 
The  Saviour  of  this  world  knew  thee, 
He  sweat  great  drops  of  blood  for  me, 
In  the  Garden  of  Gethsemane. 

His  twelve  disciples  with  him  went 
But  He  selected  only  three, 
To  watch  with  Him  for  one  short  hour, 
But  sleep  o'ercome  their  mortal  power. 

One  of  the  twelve  a  traitor  was, 
He  hated  Christ  without  a  cause. 
'Twas  then  He  plead  for  him  and  me, 
In  the  Garden  of  Gethsemane. 

Gethsemane,   I   love  thee  well, 
'Twas  there  He  suffered  much  for  me. 
E'en  Satan  tried  at  that  late  hour 
To  wrest  from  Him  his  saving  power. 

But  Jesus  saw  me  standing  there, 
A  creature  lost  in  great  despair. 
He  drank  the  cup  for  you  and  me, 
And  followed  on  to  Calvary. 

O  Calvary,  O  Calvary, 
It  was  my  sins  that  nailed  Him  there, 
He  paid  the  debt  and  set  me  free; 
He  gave  me  hope  and  not  despair. 

He  broke  the  fetters  of  the  tomb, 
He  conquered  sin  and  then  the  grave, 
Shall  I  not  give  my  heart  to  Him, 
To  me,  eternal  life  He  gave. 


'  •• 

*  _ 

6  Poems 


CHRIST  TASTED  DEATH  FOR 
EVERY   MAN. 

For  God  so  loved  the  world — 
And  that  means  you  and  me — 
That  He  gave  His  precious  son 
To  die  on  Calvary. 

Did  He  forsake  the  cross, 
The  cross  He  bore  for  me. 
Will  I,  then,  trample  in  the  dust, 
The  Blood  of  Calvary? 

No,  with  my  latest  breath, 
I'll  sing  His  praises  still, 
And,  with  His  help,  obey 
And  do  His  holy  will. 

For  us  He  died  on  Calvary, 

Our  needy  souls  to  save, 

But  soon  we'll  sing  the  triumph  song 

Of  victory  o'er  the  grave. 


Poems 


CHRIST  SEEKING  THE  LOST. 

That  man  of  Calvary, 

Who  is  he? 
The  Saviour  of  this  world 

From  sin,  He'll  set  us  free. 

With  garments  dyed  in  blood, 
Behold  He  cometh  forth, 

With  outstretched  arms 
To  seek  and  save  the  lost. 

Lost,  I  was,  and  wandered  far 

Alone,  and  sin  beguiled, 
But  Jesus  sought  and  found  me, 

And  owned  me  for  His  child. 

I  know  the  Saviour  loves  me, 

And  if  I  do  my  part, 
He'll  recreate  and  cleanse  me 

And  purify  my  heart. 

And  when  He  comes  to  earth  again, 
To  gather  home  His  own, 

I'll  rise  with  Him  to  glory 

And  sing,  O  Home,  Sweet  Home. 


8  Poems 


THE  ANGEL  BAND. 

And  when  we  see  the  angel  band 

Descending  from  on  high 
And  our  dear  Lord  upon  the  clouds 

As  King,  He  will  draw  nigh. 

No  more  the  Babe  of  Bethlehem,  He 

As  in  a  manger  lay. 
To  rest  and  sleep  on  Mary's  arm 

Where  oxen  ate  their  hay. 

No  more  the  man  of  Galilee, 
As  with  weary  steps  He  trod, 

To  heal  the  sick  of  pain  and  woe 
And  teach  the  word  of  God. 

No  more  at  Lazarus'  grave  He'll  stand 

But  with  triumphant  shout, 
He'll  wake  all  those,  who  loved  Him  here, 

And  served  Him  without  doubt. 

No  more  with  five  small  wheaten  loaves, 

The  faint  and  weary  feed, 
As  with  compassion  He  did  then, 

To  help  their  daily  need. 

But  when  we  go  with  Him  on  high, 

A  table  will  be  there, 
And  we  shall  be  His  guests  that  day, 

And  all  His  glory  share. 

So  let  us  work  till  Jesus  comes, 
And  love  Him  more  and  more, 

And  we  shall  rest  upon  His  breast, 
With  all  our  troubles  o'er. 


Poems 


UNITED  LOVE  TO  CHRIST. 

Are  we  a  people  waiting 

For  the  coming  of  the  Lord? 

Do  we  believe  the  testimony 
Which  is  the  two-edged  sword? 

Do  we  believe  the  Holy  word, 

And  live  it  day  by  day? 
Do  we  let  the  faith  of  Jesus 

In  our  hearts  have  full  sway? 

Or  are  we  like  Thy  people,  Lord, 

That  wandered  far  of  old 
And  turned  their  hearts  away  from  Thee 

And  sought  a  God  of  Gold? 

No,  no,  kind  Heavenly  Father, 
We  will  closer  draw  to  Thee, 

Let  every  one  within  Thy  fold 
In  love  united  be. 

You  know,  dear  Heavenly  Father, 

The  sacrifice  is  great. 
But  Thou  hast  often  told  us 

The  way  to  Thee  is  straight. 

So  we'll  all  be  one  like  Daniel, 
And  stand  before  our  King, 

With  hearts  in  love  united, 
Our  voices  raised  to  sing. 

The  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb, 

Uoon  the  crystal  sea, 
We'll  reign  with  Thee,  dear  Saviour 

Through  all  eternity. 


10  Poems 


RENDERING  GOOD  FOR  EVIL. 

For,  if  we've  done  a  kindness, 

To  a  sister,  or  a  brother. 
And  for  it,  we've  been  criticized, 

Should  we  trample  one  another? 

We'll  hie  us  to  the  throne  of  grace, 
And  love  them  more  and  more, 

And  pray  for  them  much  oftener 
Than  we've  ever  done  before. 

He  that  steals  our  money, 

Has  taken  only  trash. 
But  he  that  steals  our  good  name 

Has  taken  all  we  hath. 

If  our  names  are  in  the  Book  of  Life, 
What  need  have  we  to  care, 

If  they  stand  the  test  of  judgment, 
It's  such  trials  bring  us  there. 


Poems 


CONSECRATION. 

Help  us  dear  Father  from  this  hour, 

To  turn  anew  to  Thee; 
And  consecrate  our  hearts  and  lives 

And  ever  faithful  be. 

We  know  if  we  are  faithful  here, 

You  never  will  forget, 
But  will  return  and  take  us  home, 

Where  sin  can  never  fret. 

We'll  lay  these  weary  bodies  down, 
And  rest  in  peace  with  Thee : 

Within  that  home  Thou  hast  prepared 
And  dwell  eternally. 

The  tree  of  life,  we'll  there  behold 

The  crystal  stream  of  God, 
And  with  the  saints,  we'll  shout  and  sing 

Forever  with  the  Lord. 


12  Poems 


THE  MIND  OF  JESUS. 

"Let   the   same   mind  be   found  in  you   that   was  also 
found  in  Christ." 

If  we  have  the  mind  of  Jesus, 

Then  our  hearts  will  be  filled  with 
love, 

For  our  brother  or  our  sister, 
Who  has  never  lived  His  word. 

We  won't  have  time  to  criticize 

Or  trample  one  another, 
Our  time  will  all  be  taken  up 

With  our  weary,  way-worn  brother. 

We  will  tell  the  gospel  story, 

In  a  cellar  or  a  hut, 
In  a  palace  or  a  cottage 

We  will  ask  them  to  look  up. 

To  the  meek  and  lowly  Jesus, 

Who  died  to  set  them  free, 
Who  shed  His  precious  blood  for  them 

On  the  Cross  of  Calvary. 

If  they  will  only  listen, 

And  obey  His  blessed  commands 
That  when  He  comes,  He'll  take  them 
home, 

To  a  fair  and  better  land. 

If  we  have  the  mind  of  Jesus, 

We'll  be  ready  evermore, 
To  tell  this  wondrous   story 

To  the  heathen  at  our  door. 


Poems  13 


O   God,  give  grace  and  courage, 

If  we  no  further  roam, 
To  live  the  old,  old  story 

With  the  heathen  in  our  home. 

They  will  not  always  listen, 

But  by  Thy  spirit's  power 
Turn  Thou  their  hearts  in  love  to  Thee, 

And  save  them  from  this  hour. 


14  Poems 


WALKING  BY  FAITH. 

I  know  not  what's  before  me, 

I  would  not  if  I  could, 
The  Lord  of  light  and  glory, 

Could  tell  me  if  He  would. 

But  He's  kindly  veiled  the  future 
From  my  weary  eyes,  so  dim, 

He  bids  me  meet  all  trials 
Through  faith  alone  in  Him. 

Yes,  He  turns  them  into  blessings 
As  He  leads  me  gently  on, 

For  its  just  through  straits  and  trials 
That  I'll  reach  my  Home,  sweet 
Home. 

I  know  He'll  lead  me  safely, 

If  I  put  my  hand  in  His, 
To  a  mansion  up  in  glory 

In  that  land  of  endless  bliss. 

So  I'll  just  go  stepping  forward, 
I'll  not  murmur  or  complain, 

For  I  know  the  sun  shines  brighter, 
When  we've  had  the  mists  and  rain. 

When  I  reach  the  land  of  promise 
I'll  forget  all  I've  passed  through, 

And  I'll  sing  the  old  and  new  song, 
When  the  Saviour's  face  I  view. 


Poems  15 


HOW  THE  TRUTH  GOT  HOLD  OF  ME. 

I  sat  alone  one  evening, 

And  thought  upon  the  past, 

And  how  I  loved  the  things  of  time, 
When  I  knew  they  could  not  last. 

But  when  I  heard  the  message 
Of  the  angels  one,  two,  three, 

It  turned  my  heart  from  many  things 
That  were  so  dear  to  me. 

I  often  sit  and  ponder 

On  the  scenes  of  yesterday, 

And  I  cannot  help  but  wonder, 
How  this  Truth  got  hold  of  me. 

But  it  told  the  gospel  story 

Of  the  coming  of  the  Lord, 
And  gave  me  such  a  longing 

To  tell  this  Truth  abroad. 

To  every  weary  sin-sick  soul 
That  would  lend  a  hearing  ear, 

Of  the  judgment  now  that's  going  on, 
And  soon  Christ  will  appear. 

So  I've  asked  the  Lord  to  help  me 

Be  a  witness  here  for  Him 
Of  this  three-fold  angels'  message, 

That  cleanses  us  from  sin. 

O,  to  tell  it,  just  to  tell  it, 

In  a  kind  and  loving  way, 
To  a  brother  or  a  sister, 

Who,  like  me,  had  gone  astray. 


16  Poems 


A  MESSAGE  FOR  THE  HEATHEN. 

I  have  a  message  for  the  heathen, 
Yes,  a  message  bright  and  fair. 

I  shall  send  it  o'er  to  Africa 
To  a  people  in  despair. 

Who  have  never  heard  of  Jesus, 
Who  died  to  set  them  free, 

Oh,  how  I'd  love  to  tell  them 
Of  the  cross  He  bore  for  me. 

But  I  am  only  a  little  girl, 

And  how  can  I  go  there? 
But  I'll  save  up  all  my  pennies, 

For  I  know  I've  some  to  spare. 

So  I  won't  buy  any  chewing  gum, 

Or  candy,  while  at  school. 
For  I  intend  to  sacrifice 

And  learn  the  golden  rule. 

And  we  will  ask  you  older  ones, 

To  help  us  all  you  can, 
Not  with  pennies  but  with  dollars, 

For  the  heathen  of  that  land. 

And  when  we  see  our  Saviour  come 
From  Heaven  to  claim  His  own, 

By  our  effort  and  His  sacrifice 
Some  shall  reach  their  Heavenly 
home. 


Poems  17 


THE  EARTH  MADE  NEW. 

Yes,  we'll  stand  with  our  Redeemer 
On  the  earth  made  new  once  more, 

We  will  anchor  in  the  harbor 

When  the  storms  of  life  are  o'er. 

If  we're  daily  pressing  forward 
To  Hjs  precious  bleeding  side 

Our  anchor  will  hold  firmly, 
No  matter  what  betide. 

Have  we  got  our  chart  and  compass, 
Does  the  Lord  our  life-boat  man, 

Are  we  throwing  out  the  life  line, 
Are  we  doing  all  we  can 

For  our  weary,  storm-tossed  brother 
Nearly  wrecked  by  many  a  gale, 

Are  we  launching  forth  the  life-boat, 
Are  we  letting  out  the  sail? 

Do  we  know  this  last  great  message, 
And  then  tell  it  o'er  and  o'er 

For  when  Jesus  comes,  He'll  ask  us 
Of  the  wreck  afong  the  shore. 

Shall  we  stand  there,  empty-handed 
By  our  silence  be  condemned, 

When  He  has  promised  by  His  power 
To  save  the  souls  of  men? 

When  we  meet  our  Lord  in  glory 
May  we  pass  that  grand  review, 

And  hear  hisgrand  "well  done,  mychild", 
There  are  many  stars  for  you. 


18  Poems 


THOUGHTS  ON  MISSIONARY  WORK. 

One  night  I  sat  in  my  bedroom 

And  looked  around  to  see, 
All  the  wonderful  blessings 

The  Lord  had  given  to  me. 

But  I  saw  in  one  small  corner 
A  task  that  was  left  undone ; 

I  saw  some  papers  lying  there 

That  should  have  been  out,  every  one. 

Yes,  out  and  giving  the  message 
To  friends  both  far  and  near, 

And  I  to  gather  the  fragments 
For  the  master  who  draweth  near. 

O  Lord,  Thou  knowest  the  beginning, 
The  end  Thou  hast  in  store. 

Help  me,  dear  Father,  from  this  hour 
To  work  a  little  more  "For  Jesus' 
sake,  Amen." 


Poems  19 


THOUGHTS  ON  THE  COMING  OF 

CHRIST. 

We  are  looking  for  the  Saviour, 
For  we  know  He's  coming  soon. 

Oh,  may  we  not  be  waiting 
To  hear  our  final  doom. 

But  to  rise  with  Him  in  glory 

To  mansions  in  the  skies, 
From  whence  He  soon  will  come  again 

To  take  us,  bye  and  bye. 

If  we  are  only  willing 

To  obey  His  blest  commands 

Hallelujah,  shout  Hosanna, 
We  are  the  chosen  of  the  land. 

He  has  paid  the  debt  to  Father, 
And  His  name  we  will  adore, 

'Tis  the  precious  blood  of  Jesus, 
Saves  and  keeps  forever  more. 

Then  will  be  joy,  yes,  joy  in  Heaven 
When  His  Father  sees  Him  come, 

With  His  blood-washed  throng  around 

Him, 
And  we  hear  the  glad  "Well  done." 


20  Poems 


THE  NEW  YEAR. 

Another  year  will  soon  be  o'er, 

O  may  the  new  one  be, 
A  year  of  greater  service  Lord 

With  hearts  from  sin  set  free. 

We  do  not  know  the  day  or  hour 
That  He  may  call  each  one 

To  lay  our  weary  bodies  down 
And  rest  within  the  tomb. 

But  when  we  hear  the  glad  triumph 

If  we  are  faithful  here, 
We'll  rise  to  immortality, 

And  meet  Him  without  fear. 

So  a  glad  New  Year  to  one  and  all 

And,  if  we  many  see, 
May  every  one  be  greater  love 

And  service,  Lord,  to  Thee. 


Poems  21 


THE  SEWING  SOCIETY. 

I  send  you  a  little  poem, 

It's  not  much  I  can  do. 
But  a  little  word  about  Jesus, 

Will  help  both  me  and  you. 

I  know  that  my  dear  sisters 

Are  working  hard  today, 
We  can  patch  and  sew  for  Jesus. 

As  well  as  preach  and  pray. 

So  God  bless  every  little  stitch 
And  needle  full  of  thread, 

For  Jesus  clothed  the  naked, 
And  gave  the  hungry  bread. 

And  we,  His  little  children, 
Must  serve  Him  here  below, 

For  we  know  that  on  the  great  day 
We  shall  reap  just  what  we  sow. 

We  don't  want  any  money 
For  what  we  do  for  Him, 

So  we  will  clothe  the  naked, 
And  take  the  stranger  in. 

And  when  we  get  up  yonder, 
We'll  hear  the  glad  "Well  done", 

In  a  voice  of  love,  so  tender, 
That  will  understand  each  one. 


22  Poems 


STAND  TRUE  TO  THE  TESTIMONIES. 

Lines    composed    four    months    before    Sister    White's 
death. 

We  thank  you  for  the  Testimonies 
Thou  hast  sent  us  day  by  day, 

But  we  will  still  remember 
That  Thy  servant  is  but  clay. 

But  when  touched  by  living  fire, 
And  the  pen  was  in  her  hand, 

She  sent  forth  these  strong  straight 

Testimonies 
To  the  Israel  of  all  lands. 

Shall  we  heed  Thy  spirit's  message, 
Search  its  warnings  o'er  and  o'er, 

If  we  do  and  then  obey  it 

Soon  with  her,  we'll  reach  that  shore. 

Then  we'll  sail  on  smoother  waters 
On  the  Sea  of  Glass,  we'll  land 

With  a  crown  upon  our  forehead, 
And  a  harp  within  our  hands. 

Sing  the  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb, 

Of  redemption  full  and  free, 
Then  I'll  stop  and  ask  my  Saviour 

Why  He  saved  a  wretch  like  me. 

As  I  look  into  His  loving  eyes, 

His  answer  thus  will  be, 
"I  could  not  be  happy  yonder 

When   I   saw  all   lost  to  thee." 

So  I  obeyed  my  Heavenly  Father, 
And  fulfilled  His  blest  commands, 

And  thy  name  with  many  others 
Was  graven  on  my  hands. 


Poems  23 


FIGHTING  FOR  THE  RIGHT. 

Yes,  we  hear  of  battles,  many, 
In  the  lands  across  the  sea, 

For  there  are  evil  spirits  ruling 
In  the  hearts  of  kings  today. 

No,  God  is  not  in  these  battles, 
Its  the  hosts  by  Satan  led, 

That  has  caused  the  blood  of  many 
On  the  field  of  battle  shed. 


But  He  has  told  us  in  His  Holy  word, 

Written  many  years  ago, 
That  just  what  things  we  hear  of 

To  this  would  come,  you  know. 

The  nations,  they  are  angry, 

The  time  is  drawing  near 
For  the  battle  of  Armageddon, 

Very  soon  it  will  appear. 

As  a  people  we  are  working 

In  the  army  of  the  Lord. 
Are  we  going  forth  to  battle, 

Is  our  sword  the  word  of  God? 

Let  each  one  be  up  and  doing, 
Early  morning,  noon  an  night, 

Save  our  brothers  and  our  sisters, 
Going  down  by  Satan's  might. 


24  Poems 


Gather  in  the  wounded  soldiers 

From  the  battlefield  of  sin, 
Tell  them  of  the  love  of  Jesus, 

Who  died,  their  souls  to  win. 

Shout  the  battle  cry  of  freedom, 

Raise  the  blood-stained  banner  high, 

Stand  with  face  toward  the  enemy, 
Eternity  draws  nigh ! 


Poems  25 


THE  TWO  PATHS. 

There's  a  path  that  leads  to  duty, 

And  one,  the  other  way. 
God  would  like  to  know,  dear  children, 

Which  path  you  have  travelled  today. 

For  the  master  is  calling  for  workers, 

The  laborers  are  very  few, 
The  harvest's  all  ripened  and  ready, 

He's  calling  for  me  and  for  you. 

But  methinks  I  hear  someone  saying, 
"Excuse  me,  dear  master,  today, 

For  I've  bought  a  yoke  of  oxen 
And  for  them  I  have  to  pay." 

And  a  voice  from  o'er  in  the  corner, 

In  accents  loud  and  clear, 
Saying,   "I've  married  a  wife,  dear 
master, 

And  to  me  she  is  very  dear." 

And  still  another  voice  saying, 

"I've  gathered  some  friends  to  my 
home, 

The  banquet  for  them  is  all  ready. 
We'll  eat,  drink,  be  merry,  each  one." 

So  the  master  looks  down  in  sorrow 
As  He  pleads  with  us  day  by  day, 

To  tell  them  the  gospel  story 

As  they're  passing  along  our  way. 


26  Poems 


So  may  each  one  here  this  evening 
See  their  duty  bright  and  clear, 

And  gather  them  in  from  the  by-ways, 
For  the  master  draweth  near. 

The  battle  will  soon  be  over, 
The  fight  will  not  last  long 

If  we're  found  in  the  path  of  duty, 
We'll  soon  sing  the  victor's  song. 


Poems 


CLEARER  DUTY  TO  GOD. 

Yes,  we  often  hear  the  master, 
In  a  voice  so  sweet  and  low, 

"Children,  where  you  find  your  duty, 
That's  the  place  for  you  to  go." 

Do  we  always  really  listen 
And  obey  that  tender  call? 

If  we  do,  we'll  get  the  blessing 
Christ  will  be  our  all  in  all. 

It  may  be  that  our  duty 

Will  cost  us  many  a  tear, 
But  He's  promised  to  be  with  us 

So  we  do  not  need  to  fear. 

When  our  duty  seems  the  hardest 
And  we  cannot  see  the  way, 

He  will  be  our  light  in  darkness, 
All  we  need  to  do  is  pray. 

And  this  will  be  the  answer, 

Child,  I've  watched  you  all  the  way; 

And  this  is  where  our  duty  lies, 
Not  to  faint  but  always  pray. 


28  Poems 


CHRIST,   THE   CORNER-STONE. 

Lines  on  a  sermon  preached  by  Brother  Owen. 

The  corner-stone  is  Jesus, 

But  He  will  let  us  in 
If  we  are  only  willing 

To  be  chiselled  out  by  Him. 

The  chisel  may  cut  deeply, 
But  its  in  the  master's  hands 

And  He  only  knows  what's  needed 
To  prepare  us  for  that  land. 

When  fitted  in  by  Jesus 

We'll  be  perfect,  smooth  and  bright, 
And  be  ready  at  His  coming, 

Be  it  morning,  noon  or  night. 

So  we'll  let  the  chips  fly  freely, 
They  are  only  bits  of  clay, 

And  we'll  thank  our  dear  kind  master 
That  He  chiselled  them  away. 

We'll  be  fittly  joined  together 
With  His  blood  He  did  atone; 

When  He  comes  He'll  take  us  with 

Him, 
Everyone,  a  living  stone. 


Poems  29 


FEEDING  THE  HUNGRY  SOUL. 

I  went  into  my  brother's  house 
Affliction  pressed  him  sore, 

The  troubled  look  upon  his  face 
Read,  "Nothing  left  in  store." 

"My  cupboard,  it  is  empty, 
My  breadbox  scant  and  bare." 

I  asked  the  Lord  to  let  me, 
My  brother's  trouble  share. 

I  thought  of  all  Christ  did  for  me 

To  help  me  on  the  way, 
And  how  He  left  His  home  above 

When  we  all  had  gone  astray. 

I  looked  into  His  loving  eyes, 
They  smiled  on  me  so  kind. 

He  said,  "Go  feed  the  hungry, 
A  blessing  you  will  find." 

"For  you,  I've  earned  the  Bread  of  Life, 

You'll  never  hunger  more, 
Go  tell  to  all  this  world 

That  there's  plenty  left  in  store." 

"And  unto  every  thirsty  soul 

The  water  shall  be  free, 
For  I  have  shed  my  blood  for  them 

On  the  Cross  of  Calvary." 


, . 


I  know  you'll  oft  be  weary 
With  the  hardness  of  the  way, 


30  Poems 


But  I  will  go  before  you 

Turning  darkness  into  day." 

I  answered,  "When  I'm  weary 
I'll  come  to  Thee  for  rest 

And  lay  this  trembling  heart 
Upon  Thy  gentle  breast." 


Poems  31 


PATIENCE. 

Did  you  ever  cast  out  your  anchor 

And  silently  wait  for  the  day 
When   the  storm  was  raging  around 

you, 

And  there  was  nothing  to  do  but 
to  pray? 

And  all  things  near  you  were  evil, 
And   their   tongues  were  a  hissing 

fire, 
Did   you    then   look   into   your   heart 

and  see 
There,  only  one  great  desire? 

And  that,  that  your  Lord  and  Master 
Would  tarry  no  longer,  but  come? 

But  we  must  wait  for  the  morning 
And  answer,   :<Thy  will  be  done." 

It  was  then  the  sweet  voice  of  Jesus 
As  it  whispered  so  kindly  to  me, 

My  Father  kept  me  through  all  trials, 
And  His  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee.' 

For  soon  this  long  night  of  darkness 
Will  end  in  a  morning  so  bright, 

"I'll  take  you  home  to  your  Father 
Bear  your  cross,  it's  a  halo  of  light." 


32  Poems 


MY  LITTLE  GIRL. 

I  have  a  little  girl, 

Her  name  I  will  not  tell. 
The  noise  she  makes  around  the  house, 

Is  like  a  clanging  bell. 

But  when  to  school  she  goes  away, 

Her  little  bag  in  hand, 
I  say  "God  bless  my  little  girl, 

She's  the  dearest  in  the  land." 

I  ask  the  Lord  to  bless  her 

And  use  her  for  His  own, 
To  tell  the  love  of  Jesus 

In  many  a  heathen  home. 

When  the  Book  of  Life  is  opened, 
May  her  name  be  written  there, 

And  many  stars  be  in  her  crown 
In  answer  to  this  prayer. 


Poems  33 


MY  BOY. 

My  boy  to  manhood  soon  will  grow 
Lord,  by  Thy  spirit's  power 

Turn  Thou  his  heart  in  love  to  Thee 
And  save  him  from  this  hour. 

Temptation  stalks  on  every  hand 

My  boy,  to  soon  betray, 
O  Lord,  Thou  only  canst  him  keep 

Within  the  narrow  way. 

And  when  the  time  of  trouble  comes 

O  help  him  to  abide 
Within  the  paths  of  righteousness, 

With  Jesus  for  his  guide. 

A  mother's  prayer  goes  up  to  Thee, 

You  never  will  despise, 
For  Thou  wilt  hear  and  answer  it, 

For  Thou  art  ever  wise. 


34  Poems 


GREETINGS  TO  MY  BRETHREN. 

I  want  to  meet  you  on  the  earth  made  new, 
The  time  is  hasting,  and  the  years  are  few. 
Surely  we'll  soon  be  in  the  better  land 
If  we  obey  and  keep  our  Lord's  command. 

This  earth  is  nothing  but  a  desert  waste, 
But  then  we'll  see  our  Saviour  face  to  face. 
The  one  who  guided,  kept  us  all  the  way, 
And  took  our  hands  when  we  were  wont  to 
stray. 

And  led  us  on  through  many,  many  years, 
And    soothed    each    sorrow,   wiped    away   our 

tears. 

But,  oh,  the  joy  when  face  to  face  we  meet, 
In  falling  prostrate  at  our  Master's  feet. 


Poems  35 


SERVICE. 

I  have  asked  the  Lord  to  give  me 
Just  a  little   work   for   Him, 

And  then  to  help  me  do  it, 

With  the  love  of  Christ  within. 

If  the  task  He  gives  seems  heavy 
And  the  load  is  hard  to  bear, 

He  has  promised  to  be  with  me 
And  all  my  burdens  share. 

If  we've  had  a  friend  that's  failed  us, 
When  we  needed  them  the  most, 

Just  take  a  look  at  Calvary, 

Shall  we  not  embrace  the  Cross. 

If  I  have  not  any  crosses 

I  will  never  wear  a  crown, 
And  to  me  He'll  give  no  mansion 

In  that  City  of  Renown. 

So  I'll  ask  Him,  hourly,  daily. 

Every  little  cross  to  bear. 
I  must  meet  my  Elder  Brother 

In  my  Father's  home  up  there. 


36  Poems 


A  CRY  FOR  HELP. 

They  are  calling  for  the  message, 
From  a  darkened  heathen  land, 

As  a  people,  are  we  willing 
To  lend  a  helping  hand. 

Oh,  to  sit  at  ease  in  Zion 

And  see  our  brothers  die 
For  the  message  of  salvation, 

And  Jesus  drawing  nigh. 

We  all  can't  cross  the  ocean, 

Or  go  so  far  from  home. 
But,  dear,  kind  Heavenly  Father, 

Our  prayers  can  reach  Thy  throne. 

The  widow's  mite,  you  won't  despise 
You'll  make  it  do  its  part. 

But  we  must  be  the  compass 
To  guide  the   Heavenly  chart. 

So  the  call  has  come  to  many 
Who  hath  laid  by  in  store, 

To  open  up  their  pocket  books 
And  give  a  little  more. 


Poems  37 


BIRTHDAY  WISHES  FOR  A  FRIEND, 

My  earnest  wish  and  heart's  desire 

That  you  will  faithful  be 
Till  Jesus  comes  to  take  you  home 

To  dwell  eternally. 

And  may  Thy  heart  be  rilled  with  love, 

Like  the  Man  of  Galilee, 
And  may  thy  prayer  be  none  of  self, 

But  all,  oh,  Christ,  of  Thee. 

And  with  the  trials  of  each  day, 

For  surely  they  will  come, 
Then  may  Thy  answer  be  each  night, 

O  Lord,  Thy  will  be  done. 


Poems 


A  MOTHER'S  PRAYER. 

I  have  travelled  on  Life's  journey 

For  many  weary  years, 
To  the  City  of  Jerusalem 

Where  God  wipes  away  all  tears. 

I  would  like  to  take  my  friends, 
And  my  children  with  me  there. 

But  some  say  my  way's  too  narrow, 
While  the  lights  on  Broadway  glare. 

But  it  may  be  in  the  evening, 
At  the  turning  of  the  tide, 

I  will  see  them  safely  gathered 
At  my  precious  Saviour's  side. 

A  mother's  prayer  is  often  heard 
For  the  children  of  her  love, 

And  hearts  will  be  united 
In  that  better  land  above. 

Shall  we  not  forgive  each  other 

No  matter  what  it  be, 
As  Jesus  died  for  me,  I  know 

He  died  to  set  all  free. 

Then  we'll  all  sing  "Hallelujah", 
Praise  His  name  forever  more 

For  sin  shall  never  part  us 
On  that  fair,  eternal  shore. 


Poems  39 


THOUGHTS  ON  THE  SEVENTH  DAY 

SABBATH. 

We  thank  Thee  Lord,  for  morning  light 
That  Thou  hast  kept  us  through  the  night. 
Now  give  us  grace  just  for  today 
To  walk  within  the  narrow  way. 

O  help  us  some  one  to  persuade 

That  Thou  the  seventh  day  Sabbath  made. 

A  sign  of  Thy  creative  power, 

To  keep  it  Holy  every  hour. 

Six  days  you've  given  us  for  work, 
Shall  we  Thy  seventh  day  Sabbath  shirk? 
So  may  we  all  with  one  accord 
Be  found  within  Thy  house,  O  Lord. 

And  when  our  work  on  earth  is  done. 
In  that  fair  land  beyond  the  sun, 
We'll  keep  the  Sabbath  day  with  Thee 
From  every  care  and  trouble  free. 


40  Poems 


A  SONG  OF  REJOICING. 

The  long  night  of  sorrow  will  vanish 
Then  nothing  but  pleasure,  no  pain, 

For  Jesus  is  coming  in  glory, 
He's  coming  to  take  us  to  reign. 

With  Him,  up  in  yonder  bright  man- 
sions. 
We'll  bow  then  and  bless  His  dear 

name, 

And  join  with  the  angels  in  glory, 
Praise  God  for  the  lamb  that  was 
slain. 

He  carried  our  sins  in  His  body, 
They  took  Him  to  Calvary's  cross, 

He  went  there  without  a  murmur, 
For  He  never  counted  the  cost. 

So  when  trials  and  sorrow  o'ertake  us 
He    has    promised   our   burdens    to 
share, 

Take  courage,  my  brother,  take  courage, 
Press  onward  to  do  and  to  dare. 


Poems  41 

CHRIST'S  SUFFERING  AND  DEATH 

FOR  US. 

Christ  suffered  much  upon  the  cross, 

That  Cross  of  Calvary; 
It  was  my  sins  that  nailed  Him  there, 

He  bled  and  died  for  me. 

Did  He  refuse  His  Father's  plea 

To  seek  and  save  the  lost? 
He  left  His  home  in  glory  bright 

And  counted  not  the  cost. 

For  the  burden  of  a  sin-lost  world 

Lay  heavy  on  His  heart, 
He  neither  murmured  nor  complained 

But  nobly  did  His  part. 

Shall  \ve  refuse  Salvation  free 
When  bought  at  such  a  cost, 

And  shall  wre  serve  His  enemy, 
And,  after  all,  be  lost? 

Dear  Lord,  help  every  living  soul 
That's  heard  His  pleading  voice. 

May  they  be  willing  to  obey 
And  in  His  love  rejoice. 

And  may  they  in  their  daily  lives 

Live  nearer  to  Thee,  Lord 
And  show  to  others  every  day 

The  power  of  Christ  abroad. 


42  Poems 


FIRST  STEPS. 

I  thank  Thee,  Lord,  for  these  friends 

Who  called  on  me  today. 
That  Thou   hast  shown   to  them  the 
truth 

They  are  willing  to  obey. 

They  know  that  Jesus  died  to  save 
Them   from   eternal  death, 

And  Thou   the  seventh   day   Sabbath 

made, 
And  sanctified  and  blest. 

Now  help  them  Lord  to  take  each  step 

Right  in  the  narrow  way, 
And  may  their  faith  and  hope  in  Thee 

Grow  brighter  every  day. 

And  give  to  them  their  heart's  desire 
To  see  their  loved  ones  saved 

And  not  just  them  alone,  O  Lord, 
But  all  for  whom  they've  prayed. 

And  when  Christ  comes  to  take  us 
home, 

May  we  rejoice  to  see 
A  crown  of  stars  placed  on  each  brow 

For  faithfulness  to  Thee. 


Poems  43 


FOR  OUR  YOUNG  PEOPLE. 

You  are  gathered  here  this  evening 
A  young  and  happy  band 

Of  workers  for  the  master 
Travelling  to  a  better  land. 

He  has  told  you  by  His  spirit 

That  the  young  must  end  this  work, 

Is  there  any  here  this  evening 
Their  duty  wants  to  shirk? 

I  would  like  to  call  you  all  by  name 

But  I  don't  think  I  can, 
But  there's  Vinton  Wright,  he's  grow- 
ing 

And  Henry's  quite  a  man. 

Yes,  we  love  to  hear  Joe  singing, 
Make  the  courts  of  Heaven  ring. 

We  will  know  his  voice  up  yonder 
When  he  helps  the  angels  sing. 

Now,   I   have   not   called   you   all   by 
name, 

But  I  hope  you'll  faithful  be 
To  each  duty  that's  assigned  to  you 

Every  Sabbath  day,  at  three. 

And  not  only  on  the  Sabbath 

But  each  day  your  prayer  may  be, 

Just  to  win  a  soul  for  Jesus 
For  He  died  to  set  all  free. 

Yes,  a  prize  He's  set  before  us, 
Its  a  mansion  in  the  sky 
And  a  crown  of  brightest  glory 
At  His  coming,  bye  and  bye. 


Poems 


THE  SENTINEL. 

I  know  we  are  in  the  shaking  time, 
The  loud  cry  has  gone  forth 

Let  every  man  with  sword  in  hand 
Stand  steady  at  his  post. 

Our  sword  is  not  of  burnished  steel 

To  do  our  brother  harm, 
It  is  the  mighty  word  of  God 

To  save  them  from  alarm. 

When   that   great    day   of    God    shall 
come 

In  all  its  might  and  power, 
He'll  gather  out  the  wheat  from  chaff, 

O  may  we  stand  secure. 

And  when  we  see  the  Saviour  come 

With  His  angels  band, 
May  we  behold  His  face  in  love 

And  win  the  promised  land. 


Poems  45 


TREASURES  IN  HEAVEN. 

This  three-fold  angels'  message 
Is  told  on  land  and  sea 

And  it  is  gathering  many 
For  the  year  of  Jubilee. 

This  three-fold  angels'  message 
Has  the  power  of  Christ  within, 

It  changes  all  our  lives  while  here 
And  saves  us  from  our  sins. 

But  there  are  many  thousands 
That  don't  want  to  hear  it  told, 

They  think  that  they'll  be  saved 
By  a  power  that  they  call  gold. 

No,  gold  will  never  save  them, 
But  the  love  of  Christ  within; 

Just  take  a  look  at  Calvary, 
That's  the  gold  that  saves  from 
sin. 

The  blood  bought  gift  of  Calvary 

Eternal  life  given  free, 
For  that  we  shout  and  praise  the 
Lord 

In  the  Year  of  Jubilee. 


46  Poems 


THE  CROWN   OF  THORNS. 

Yes,  they  stood  and  watched  the  Saviour 

In  His  bitter  pain  and  woe. 
They  did  not  know  he  suffered  there 

Because  He  loved  them  so. 

Before  the  earth  and  seas  were  formed 
He  knew  He'd  death  to  taste, 

His  Father  called  Him  to  His  side 
And  offered  Him  the  place. 

So  when  Adam  fell,  He  stepped 
Right  in  Himself  a  ransom  gave 

That  sinners  such  as  you  and  I 
Eternal  life  might  have. 

He  came  and  took  our  sinful  flesh, 

A  man  of  woman  born. 
He  stood  the  test  of  Satan's  wiles 

And  braved  that  awful  storm. 

That  brought  Him  to  Gethsemane, 

From  there  to  Pilot's  hall, 
"And  with  this  man,"  he  cried  aloud, 

"I  find  no  fault  at  all." 

"Release  to  us,  Barabbas," 

They  cry  the  same  today, 
As  when  the  master  trod  this  earth 

And   gave   His   life  away. 

So  God  help  us  to  be  faithful 
And  obey  His  blest  commands, 

May  we  be  salt  with  savor 
And  the  Israel  of  the  land. 


Poems  47 


DARE  TO  DO  RIGHT. 

There's  a  strife  amongst  the  people, 
They  are  crying  for  the  blood 

Of  those  that  love  the  master 
And  dare  to  live  His  word. 

Lord,  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit 
Dispell  this  darkening  power, 

Uphold  the  side  of  righteousness 
As  in  the  days  of  yore. 

Stand  by  Thy  faithful  servant 
With  all  Thy  might  and  power, 

May  he  know  Thee  as  Jehovah 
In  every  trying  hour. 


48  Poems 


THE  SABBATH  SCHOOL. 

We  thank  Thee,  Lord,  for  grace  and 
truth 

This  Sabbath  day  to  know 
And  for  the  Blood  of  Jesus, 

That  washes  white  as  snow. 

CHORUS : 

And  for  the  Sabbath  School,  the  Sab- 
bath School, 

The  dear  old  Sabbath  School, 
For  its  here  we  come,  both  old  and 

young, 
To  learn  the  Golden  Rule. 

And  we  love  to  hear  the  story 

Of  the  Cross  of  Calvary, 
He  to  all  His  little  children 

Eternal  life  gave  free. 

—CHORUS. 

Some  have  come  here  as  children  dear, 

They've  now  to  manhood  grown, 
And  they  dearly  love  the  Sabbath 

School 
For  it  is  the  Sabbath  home. 

—CHORUS. 

If  we   have   to   leave   this   Sabbath 

School, 

No  matter  where  we  roam, 
We  will  try  to  find  another  one 
For  its  just  like  going  home. 

—CHORUS. 


Poems  49 


"THE  WHISPERED   PRAYER." 

One  day  in  a  busy  city 

I  stood  on  a  crowded  street 

And  watched  the  people  passing, 
Heard  the  tramp  of  their  hurrying 
feet. 

Some  faces  were  bright  and  happy 
But  some  were  filled  with  care, 

And  some  had  a  look  of  sadness 
Just  bordering  on  despair. 

As  I  stood,  I  watched  and  wondered 
How    many   their    Lord    did    know, 

How  many  knew  the  blessing 

Of  having  their  sins  washed  white 
as  snow. 

I  breathed  a  prayer  to  my  Father 
As  I  stood  on  that  busy  street 

That  every  one  that  passed  me  by 
On  the  Sea  of  Glass  I  might  meet. 

I  asked  Him  to  keep  me  faithful 
To  sing  His  praises  there 

Where  I'll  never  see  any  trouble 
Or  faces  filled  with  despair. 


Poems 


"LET  NOT  YOUR  HEART  BE 
TROUBLED." 

We  are  standing  in  the  light  house 

On  the  San  Diego  shore, 
And  the  storm  at  sea  is  raging 

And  the  billows  'round  us  roar. 

But  we're  in  the  ark  of  safety, 
We've  the  love  of  Christ  within 

By  our  light,  we  mean  to  beckon 
Many  from  the  seas  of  sin. 

There    are     lonely    hearts     that    are 
breaking 

For  the  loved  ones  far  away, 
Will  they  meet  us  on  the  morning 

Of  the  Resurrection  day. 

Will   they  heed  this   last  great   mes- 
sage, 

Search  its  meaning  o'er  and  o'er 
If  they  do,  and  then  obey  it 

They  will  safely  reach  the  shore. 

Where  we'll  all  sing  "Hallelujah!" 
Praise  His  name  for  evermore. 

For  there  will  be  no  fear  of  storms 
On  that  fair  eternal  shore. 


Poems  51 


THE  NEW  TEACHERS. 

We  have  got  two  fine  new  teachers 
In  our  church  school,  this  year. 

They  rule  by  love  and  kindness 
And  not  by  frown  or  fear. 

The  children  seem  to  love  them 
As  the  days  go  rolling  on; 

I'm  sure  they'll  all  be  sorry 

When  this  school  year  has  flown. 

They  have  helped  us  with  our  lessons 
And  we  love  them  very  dear; 

When  the  roll  is  called  up  yonder, 
May  they  answer  "I  am  here." 

For  we  are  all  God's  little  children, 
Learning  lessons  here  below 

And  if  we  learn  them  every  day 
He'll  take  us  home,  we  know. 

Then  all  day  we'll  our  teacher 
For  there'll  be  no  night  there, 

And    for    lessons    that    we've    learned 

while  here 
We'll  get  credit  sure  up  there. 


52  Poems 


FOR  THE  CHILDREN. 

Lines  on  the  leaving  of  one  of  our  church  school 
teachers. 

We  are  going  to  lose  our  teacher 
And  we  feel  quite  sick  at  heart, 

For  often  we've  been  naughty 
And  have  not  done  our  part. 

We  have  often  him   discouraged 

By  heeding  not  his  way 
And  now  that  he  is  going 

We  would  rather  have  him  stay. 

But  we'll  ask  him  to  forgive  us 

As  he  will  be  forgiven, 
And  if  we  meet  no  more  on  earth, 

I  hope  we'll  meet  in  Heaven. 

Before  the  great  school  teacher 
That's  our  dear  Lord,  you  know, 

When  He  looks  o'er  our  lessons 
We'll  reap  just  \vhat  we  sow. 

But  we  know  you  won't  forget  us, 
Though  you're  going  far  awray, 

Just  take  us  all  to  Father, 

In  the  evening  when  you  pray. 


Poems  53 


CASTING   OUT  THE  "BEAM". 

O  yes,  we  think  we're  doing  right 
By  him  who  smokes  that  awful 
pipe, 

By  telling  him  it  is  a  sin 

And  so  it  is,  we'll  prove  and  win. 

Because  he  loves  that  pipe  of  clay 
We  say  he'll  be  destroyed  some  day, 

But  then  are  we  more  pure  than  him, 
Because  we  love  some  other  sin? 

Yes,  tobacco  is  the  vilest  weed 

And    he    that    smokes    it    sows    the 
seed 

At  every  step  along  the  way, 

There's  thousands  dying  every  day. 

There  are  some  sins  just  as  great, 
From  which  the  Lord  does  turn  in 
hate 

And  one  of  these  is  wilful  strife 
For  that,  we'll  lose  eternal  life. 

If  we  are  harboring  in  our  heart 
A  sin  from  which  we  don't  depart, 

We're  just  as  far  on  the  wrong  way 
As  he  who  smokes  the  pipe  of  clay. 

The  day  of  grace  will  soon  be  o'er 
The  master's  even  at  the  door; 

Let's  cast  our  idols  all  away. 
And  each  one  break  his  pipe  of  clay. 


54  Poems 


WORKING  WITH   A  WILL. 

A  little  Poem  on  the  End  of  the  Church  School  Year. 

There's  Henry,  he's  always  smiling 
And  Joe,  he  is  laughing  too, 

And  this  little  girl  and  that  little  girl, 
Their  eyes  say  "How  do  you  do." 

We  are  glad  to  welcome  you,  sisters, 

To  our  nice  school  today ; 
We  are  learning  to  work  for  Jesus 

To  talk,  to  sing  and  to  pray. 

Our  teachers  are  always  willing 

To  show  us  the  right  way 
And  always  kind  and  thoughtful 

Whenever  we  go  astray. 

But  to  God  be  all  the  blessing 
For  what  we  are  learning  here, 

We  love  our  work  so  very  much, 
AVe  are  coming  back  next  year. 


Poems  55 

THE  SCOTCHMAN  ON  THE  COM- 
MITTEE. 

They  put  me  on  the  committee, 

Old  Satan  he  got  mad 
The  way  he  entered  some  folks  hearts, 

Made  them  anything  but  glad. 

I  met  a  sister  on  the  street, 

She  gave  me  an  icy  stare, 
But  she  did  not  know  that  I  was  Scotch 

And  a  Scotchman  does  not  care. 

I  saw  two  more  upon  the  car, 
Their  heads  were  close  together, 

And  when  they  saw  me  coming 
They  just  nudged  one  another. 

"There's  that  Scotchman  of  the  com- 
mittee, 

Who  said  we  should  not  wear 
Feather  ruffs  or  jewelry/' 

But  I  only  breathed  the  air. 

Then  I  overheard  some  little  words 

To  this  effect,  you  know : 
"Why  he's  only  a  new  member, 

Why  dare  he  say  so  and  so." 

But  the  newness  of  the  membership 

When  called  before  the  bar 
Of  the  judgment  seat  of  Heaven 

Do  you  think  that  God  will  care? 


56  Poems 


If  I  have  served  Him  faithfully 
And  loved  Him  here  below, 

I  know  I'll  hear  the  glad  "well  done", 
When  home  with  Him  I  go. 

So  if  you're  ever  asked  to  serve 

Upon  a  committee 
Just  stand  it  all  for  Jesus'  sake 

That  died  for  you  and  me. 


Poems  57 


THE  FIRE  LADDIES. 

Have  you  seen  our  fire  laddies! 

They  are  heroes  of  renown, 
Without  these   gallant   fellows 

Our  town  \vould  soon  burn  down. 

They  hear  the  bell  a  tapping, 

They  come  sliding  dowrn  the  pole 

For  they  are  ever  ready 
To  reach  the  fire's  goal. 

God  bless  our  fire  laddies 

As    they    speed   through    wind    and 

rain, 
They  loose  the  engines  throttle 

And  the  horses  get  the  rein. 

We  see  them  rushing  onward 
For  the  building's  all  aflame, 

They  know  when  to  a  fire  they  go 
They  may  ne'er  come  back  again. 

But  they're  brave,  our  fire  laddies 
And  they  give  no  thought  to  pain, 

They  will  save  the  lives  of  others 
Though  they,  themselves,  get  maimed. 

But  someday  our  fire  laddies 

Will  hear  the  last  tap  of  the  bell. 

When  the  roll  is  called  up  yonder 
May  their  answer  be,  "All  well." 

May  the  chief  of  that  Department 
Read  each  title  bright  and  clear, 

And    the    angels,    joined    in    chorus, 

shout : 
"The  fire  lads  are  here." 


58  Poems 


LINES  ON  THE  DEPARTURE  OF 
FRIENDS. 

Our  friends,  the   Cottons,   they  have 
gone, 

And  we  will  miss   them  sore 
And  all  the   little   Cotton   bales 

That  grew  around  the  door. 

We  were  glad  to  help  them  on  their 
way 

To  better  things  in  store, 
Both  for  this  world  and  that  to  come, 

God  bless  them  ever  more. 

And  if  we  meet  on  earth  no  more, 
In  Heaven,  where  all  is  bright, 

May  we  behold  each  other's  face, 
And  hail  Christ  with  delight. 

Then  on  the  Sea  of  Glass,  we'll  stand 
And  sing  His  praises  there, 

For  Christ  shall  wipe  away  all  tears, 
And  there'll  be  no  night  there. 

There's  one  thing  needful  they  have 
got 

Since  coming  to  our  shore. 
And  that's  the  angels  message,  three, 

God   help   them   ever  more. 

To  live  it  every  day  and  hour 
No  matter  where  thev  roam 


Poems  59 


And  tell  it  to  each  friend  they  meet 
While  they  are  travelling  home. 

And  when  they  reach  their  dear  old 
home, 

May  they  stand  staunch  and  true 
And  keep  the  Lord  before  their  face, 

And  His  commandments  do. 


60  Poems 


"A  PLEA  FOR  TEMPERANCE." 

There  was  once,  in  Bonnie  Scotland, 
A  home  so  bright  and  fair 

Until  that  demon,  Rum,  came  in 
And  brought  it  to  despair. 

The  father  of  that  happy  home, 
It's  strength  could  overthrow 

But  the  mother  was  of  gentle  mein 
Partook  the  cup  of  woe. 

It  is  so  sad  to  see  a  man 
A  drunkard  on  the  street, 

But,  Oh,  how  terrible  it  is 
To  see  a  woman  sweet. 

The  mother  of  a  family 

Brought  down  to  grief  and  shame, 
O  God  help  us  to  fight  the  cause 

And  rightly  place  the  blame. 

She  tried  the  tempter  to  o'ercome, 
She  tried,  but  tried  in  vain, 

At  last  it  laid  her  in  the  grave 
Like  one  of  thousands  slain. 

But  that  vile  drink  called  alcohol, 
God  help  us  to  fight  it  through 

And  if  we  can't  do  any  more 
This  city  save  for  you. 


Poems  61 


"THIRSTING  FOR  RIGHTEOUSNESS." 

Make  me  an  empty  vessel 

Then  fill  with  Thy  spirit  divine, 

Then  I'll  never  yield  to  temptation 
And  my  heart  will  be  wholly  Thine. 

Then  when  filled  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit 
My  heart  will  o'erflow  with  Thy 
love, 

And  I  will  ever  be  ready 

To  meet  Thee  in  mansions  above. 

Then  in  Thy  presence  forever 
I'll  praise  thee  all  the  day  long, 

For  I  will  never  be  weary, 

And  this  is  the  theme  of  my  song. 

Oh,  how  I  love  my  dear  Saviour 

Because  He  first  loved  me, 
And  left  His  bright  home  in  glory 

To  save  a  poor  sinner  like  me. 


62  Poems 


LINES   TO   A  FRIEND   ON   HER 
BIRTHDAY. 

This  little  line  of  love,  I  send 

On  this,  thy  natal  day 
And  may  the  love  and  care  of  God 

Be  round  thee  all  the  way. 

For  if  you  serve  Him  here  below 
You'll  reign  with  Him  on  high, 

And  you  will  ne'er  be  weary  there 
And  every  tear  He'll  dry. 

And  may  thy  kind,  unselfish  heart 

Now  hear  His  loving  call 
And  when  thy  earthly  friend  doth  fail 

May  He  be  all  in  all. 


Poems  63 


"TRUST." 

Yes,  God  is  Love, 

We    have    trusted    Him    in     many 

years  gone  by, 
And  we  will  trust  Him  more  and  more 

As  we  see  the  time  draw  nigh. 

The  nations,  they  are  angry, 
The  seas  and  waters  roar, 

The  Saviour  soon  will  come  again, 
He  is  even  at  the  door. 

But  He  who  feeds  the  little  birds 

That  fly  from  tree  to  tree, 
Do  you  think  that  He'll  forget  us 

When  He  died  to  set  us  free? 

No,  my  life's  worth  many  sparrows 
That  falleth  to  the  ground 

And  every  one  is  noticed, 

Why  should  trouble,  me  confound? 

So  I'll  just  keep  drawing  closer 
'Neath   His  everlasting  arm, 

For  He  who  feeds  the  little  birds 
Will  save  me  from  all  harm. 


64  Poems 


"OUR  APPOINTED  TASK." 

Yes,   Jesus   wept  over  Jerusalem, 

For  the  sins  that  His  people  would  do 

I  am  sure  He  is  oft  filled  with  sorrow 
For  the  failings  of  me  and  you. 

I  know  we  have  failed  Thee,  dear  Master 
By  not  seeking  and  saving  the  lost. 

"We  have  not  the  time/'  we  keep  saying 
To  point  them  to  Calvary's  Cross. 

There's  surely  one  point  we  have  failed  in 
That's  passing  our  poor  brother's  door. 

We  have  not  had  time  to  listen 

To  the  cry  of  the  wretched  and  poor. 

All  these  things  you  have  asked  us  to  do, 

Lord, 

Yes,  this  work  must  be  done  by  us  here 
For    He'll    give   us    the    strength    that    is 

needed, 
And  His  perfect  love  casteth  out  fear. 

Then  how  glad  we'll  be  at  His  coming 
If  we  follow  His  percepts  down  here, 

Our  faces  will  lighten  with  gladness 
Oh  may  we  not  meet  Him  in  fear. 


Poems  65 


"OUR  DUTY." 

We   are   clogging  the   wheels  of  the   printing 
press 

When  our  Sabbath  supplies  are  not  paid, 
We  are  tired  of  hearing  the  cry,  all  the  time 

"Let  an  extra  collection  be  made." 

i 

For    papers    we've    used    every    Sabbath,    you 

know 

This  debt  to  the  Lord  we  owe. 
Do  you  think  that  our  Saviour  looks  down  and 

is  glad 
When  we  know  what  we  know? 

That  the  bill  for  supplies  is  long  overdue 
And  still  we  buy  candy  and  gum ; 

Don't  you  think  we  could  help  this  good  cause 

along 
By  dropping  the  habit,  each  one? 

So  when  we  are  tempted  to  buy  what  is  bad 
For  our  health  and  our  pocketbooks  too, 

Just  stop,  think  and  lay  that  nickel  aside 
For  the  bill  that  is  long  overdue. 

For  we  are  going  to  clear  this  old  debt  to  the 
slate. 

And  keep  it  clear  all  the  year  through. 
And  if  each  one  is  faithful  and  does  his  part 

We'll  pay  every  bill  when  its  due. 


66  Poems 


THE  LOST  SHEEP  FOUND. 

Once  I  had  wandered 

Away  from  my  home, 
But  Jesus  found  me, 

I'll   never  more  roam. 

CHORUS 
Jesus,    dear   Jesus 

Keep  close  to  my  side, 
Jesus,  my  Saviour 

With  me  abide. 

There's   many   thousands 
Who  are  wandering  today 

Out  on  the  highways, 
They  are  going  astray. 

—CHORUS 

Help  me,  dear  Saviour 
Some  wanderers  to  find 

And  tell  them  you  suffered 
To  save  all  mankind. 

—CHORUS 

And  when  Thou  comest 
In  clouds  bright  and  fair 

May  I  and  these  loved  ones 
Meet  Thee  in  the  air. 

—CHORUS 


Poems  67 


A  POEM  ON  ROBERT  BURNS. 

The  lad  that  made  ye  banks  and  braes 

Lies  sleeping  in  the  tomb 
But  some  day  he'll  see  a  fairer  sight 

Than  the  bonnie  banks  of  Doone. 

A  sair  sair  heart  he  had  that  day 
His  Highland  Mary  went  away, 

But  in  that  land  so  bright  and  fair 
They'll  meet  again  to  part  nae  mair. 

We'll  ne'er  forget  the  gifted  Scot, 
Or  yet  the  land  where  he  was  born. 

O  yes,  we'll  hear  our  Bobbie  sing 
Upon  the  resurrection  morn. 

We'll  meet  with  him  who  made  all  things. 

Oh  !  joy,  beyond  compare  ! 
The  rich  and  poor  yes,  one  and  a' 

Will  brithers  be  up  there. 

So  we're  glad  we  met  another  year 

In  honor  o'  your  name, 
It  won't  be  long,  our  Bobbie  dear, 

Till  we  all  meet  in  yon  hame. 


68  Poems 

SEVENTH  DAY  ADVENTISTS  CAMP- 
MEETING. 

Composed  on   Camp-Meeting  Ground,  August   28,   1915, 
Huntington  Beach. 

It  was  the  night  before  camp-meeting, 
And  our  suit  cases  were  packed. 

When  we  asked  the  Lord  to  guide  us, 
And  bring  us  safely  back. 

Early  the  next  morning 

As  we  stepped  upon  the  train, 

We  asked  Him  for  a  blessing 
E'er  we  came  home  again. 

And  now  we're  on  the  camp  ground 

And  the  big  tent  is  in  view 
O.  what  a  crowd  of  people 

But  there's  room  for  me  and  you. 

We've  just  had  our  first  meeting 

And  as  Elder  Warren  told, 
Of  the  coming  of  the  Saviour, 

May  each  one  here  behold. 

May  our  faces  light  with  gladness 

And  not  be  pale  with  fear, 
May  our  voices  sing  his  praises 

As  we  see  him  drawing  near. 

Then  these  vile  bodies  he  will  change 

Like  to  His  glorious  one, 
Then  we'll  rise  with  Him  in  triumph 

And   He'll   take   us   safely  home. 


Poems  69 


We  have  had  a  blessed  season 
With  the  people  of  the  Lord. 

We  have  listened  to  the  singing, 
We  have  heard  the  word  of  God. 

There's  our  dear  old  Elder  Lothborough, 
Read  the  message  bright  and  clear. 

We  know  he'll  meet  the  Saviour 
Without  a  bit  of  fear. 

He  has  preached  this  last  great  message 

For  sixty  years,  or  more, 
O,  how  he'll  shout  God's  praises, 

When  we  meet  to  part  no  more. 

With  him  may  we  be  gathered  there, 
Each  one  on  this  camp  ground. 

There's  quite  a  goodly  number,  Lord, 
Let  room  for  each,  be  found. 

Yes,  room  for  us  and  many  more, 
The  gray-haired,  and  the  youth. 

May  not  a  one  be  missing  there 
That's  ever  heard  this  truth. 


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